CALLS FOR JAPAN TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN MEASURES TO PROTECT CREATIVE CONTENT IN THE DIGITAL AGE MADE DURING MPA SEMINAR AT 28TH TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
- 26Oct 2015
Report Finds Film & TV Industry In Japan Contributes Significant USD103.1 Billion
To Economy & Supports 381,368 Jobs
On October 26, UNIJAPAN and Motion Picture Association (MPA), with support
from the Embassy of the United States of America and the Federation of Japanese Films Industry
(FJFI), partnered together to hold the annual MPA Seminar, the Tokyo International Film Festival’s
forum for film industry business, policy and creativity discussion and debate.
Conducted as part of the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival and held at Roppongi Hills Mori Tower,
the event featured a dynamic debate about possible measures the industry could adopt to better
protect creative content in Japan, and the launch of a new industry economic contribution report.
The MPA Seminar featured remarks from Akira Amari, Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy,
renowned film director Carlos Saldanha (Ice Age, Robots, Gone Nutty, Ice Age: The Meltdown, Ice Age:
Dawn of the Dinosaurs, RIO, RIO 2), Mike Ellis, President and Managing Director, Asia‐Pacific Region
MPA, Yasushi Shiina, Director General TIFF, Jessica Webster, Minister Counselor Economic and
Science Affairs, Embassy of the United States of America, Keisuke Isogai, Vice Secretary General,
Secretariat of Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters, Cabinet Secretariat, and Tomohiro
Tohyama, Attorney at law, Partner, TMI Associates.
Welcoming guests to the seminar, Mr. Shiina, said “We are proud to partner with the MPA again on
this important seminar event, which this year focuses on the health and growth of the film and television industry in Japan.”
In a message delivered on behalf of Akira Amari, Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization,
he suggested that the Japanese content industry has an opportunity to develop audiences locally and
that Japanese cinema was a dynamic way to represent Japan around the world.
Jessica Webster, Minister Counselor, Economic and Science Affairs Embassy of the United States of
America, said that cinema was a medium of “powerful diplomacy”, bringing us closer together in an
entertaining and educational way. Japan, she continued, “…was a country that understands the
importance of intellectual property and the need to establish measures that effectively protect film
and television.”
Keisuke Isogai, Vice Secretary General, Secretariat of Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters,
Cabinet Secretariat, thanked the MPA for supporting the organization’s content protection policies,
noting the need to further strengthen measures to best protect Japanese content in Japan and
internationally.
A lively panel discussion on Protecting Screen Content in the Digital Age, moderated by Tomohiro
Tohyama, Attorney‐At‐Law, Partner, TMI Associates, saw an expert line up of speakers offer
commentary on the global practice of blocking infringing websites for copyright.
Masaaki Saito, Chairman & CEO, Recording Industry Association of Japan, spoke of the huge
investment in education that has been required to encourage an audience used to equating music
content to free to now pay the true value of that content. “We need more than education,” he said.
“We need more effective efforts including the possibility of blocking pirate websites, and any other
measures that have been proven to work.”
Mike Weatherley, Vice President, Motion Picture Licensing Company (International) Ltd., who acted
as UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s Intellectual Property Advisor, provided a thorough illustration
of the UK experience of court ordered site blocking: “The U.K. is a strong example of how court
ordered site blocking can be introduced and made to work. Only those sites that are proven in court
to contain overwhelmingly infringing copyrighted material are blocked. It has become the accepted
norm and now we are reviewing the next steps to reduce piracy even further.”
Chris Marcich, President, International, of the MPA, said that the content industries went to some
lengths to ensure that the media and public were made well aware of why the content industry
wanted ISPs to block access to infringing websites, what would be blocked by the courts, and what
would not be blocked. “We found that people responded well to these measures. No one protested.
Wide education of the measures was helpful. After a number of sites were blocked, a study※ from
Carnegie Mellon University found that the measure caused a 23% increase in usage of legal
streaming services, so the ultimate goal of having people access more legal content is being met.”
Marc D. Fuoti, Founder & Managing Partner, Big Picture International, adding his viewpoint as a long
time Japan-based commercial film and television executive, said that he saw a window of six to eight
months where the industry could raise awareness about new site blocking measures for application
in Japan. “We need to increase the consumption of screen content in Japan, so any measure that
helps prevent infringement of creative content here would be an important initiative worthy of
adoption.”
In his keynote speech, director Carlos Saldanha spoke about his journey as a filmmaker and his
experiences of creating some of the biggest animated films in the last fifteen years. “These days
there is a lot of great animation in the market, making it tough to find a day in the calendar to open a
big animated film. Now we need consider not just other animation, but live action films as
competition for audiences.” Though aware of the importance of marketing considerations in
film production, Saldanha encouraged independent filmmakers to create with passion, and focus on the
creative process. “How do I stay inspired? I look for work where I can leave the audiences visibly
moved after seeing my films in the cinema.”
The event also saw the launch of a report titled “The Economic Contribution of the Film and Television
Industry in Japan”. The industry contributed a significant USD103.1 billion (11,352.5 billion Yen) into
the nation’s economy in 2014 despite facing a range of challenges according to a report prepared by
Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. The sector also supported more than 381,368 full time jobs and
generated almost USD8.676 billion (955.3 billion Yen) in tax revenues.
Presenting the key findings of the report, Mike Ellis, President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific,
MPA, said, “The film and TV industry in Japan has a proud history, renowned for its creativity and
innovation around the world. The global digital transition has brought about significant change to the
way films and television shows and produced, distributed and screened to audiences ? and this
year’s economic contribution report reflects this dynamic evolution. It is a significant economic
sector, providing quality jobs and contributing substantially to the economy and to local and
international culture. It’s worth celebrating and worth protecting.”
Commenting on the findings, one of Japan’s most well known film industry veterans, Tom Yoda,
Chairman of the Board, President & CEO of GAGA Corporation, suggested that Japan’s unique
support for DVD and Blu-ray product was explained by the society’s appreciation for packaging - a
factor not replicated in the new digital market offerings. This he thought would continue to influence
an ongoing viable market for video stores and provide revenue streams contributing to the overall
film and television sector.
The report was launched with the support of Japan Satellite Broadcasting Association (JSBA), Foreign
Film Importer - Distributors Association of Japan (FFIDAJ), Motion Picture Producers Associations of
Japan, Inc. (MPPAJ), Japan Video Software Association (JVA), Japan Cable and Telecommunication
Association (JCTA), The Association of Japanese Animation (AJA), Japan Association of Theatre
Owners (JATO), and the Compact Disc & Video Rental Commerce Trade Association of Japan (CDV-J).
A copy of the “Economic Contribution of the Film and Television Industry in Japan” full report by
Mitsubishi Research Institute, along with the one page summary, is available to view and download
here
See images from the MPA seminar here
※ “The Effect of Piracy Website Blocking on Consumer Behavior”
*From left : Marc D. Fuoti / Masaaki Saito / Mike Ellis / Yasushi Shiina / Mike Weatherley / Jessica Webster / Carlos Saldanha / Chris Marcich / Tom Yoda / Keisuke Isogai / Tomohiro Tohyama
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RIO & ICE AGE DIRECTOR CARLOS SALDANHA TALKS PASSION & ANIMATION AT MPA-DHU FILM WORKSHOP DURING TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
- 25Oct 2015
Itsumi Fukuda wins for sumo wrestling friendship tale Dos-Koi!
Renowned film director Carlos Saldanha (Ice Age, Robots, Gone Nutty, Ice
Age: The Meltdown, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, RIO, RIO 2) headlined the 3rd MPA-DHU
Film Workshop held as part of the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), revealing to
Japan’s new emerging filmmakers the process of creating a hit international feature animation.
The film workshop, developed by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) in partnership with
Digital Hollywood University (DHU), included a popular one-day intensive masterclass, panel
discussion and film pitching competition for emerging Japanese writer/directors. Awards were
presented to filmmakers competing in the feature film pitch competition in recognition of the
high quality of the film projects and presentation skills of the participants.
Hosting the event, Tomoyuki Sugiyama, President of Digital Hollywood University, said, “In the
international film industry, ‘pitching’ is the foremost method of securing an opportunity. We are
proud to have this chance to co-host such an amazing competition with the MPA, teaching
participants the skills and the ability to improve their synopses and experience pitching in front
of global filmmakers.”
Mike Ellis, President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, MPA, said, “Emerging filmmakers face an
entertainment environment in constant change ? where their ability to realize the potential of
their creative rights is not always secure. These events provide an excellent platform to share
ideas, between established and emerging filmmakers from different countries, and work
together to build sustainable screen communities.”
Yasushi Shiina, Director General of TIFF, attending the film workshop, said, “We are very happy
to work with the MPA on this event, which fulfills a unique role in developing our young
filmmakers with the skills they need to communicate their projects to the international industry.
Take note of the advice of the professionals and take advantage of this experience so that you
can work as a filmmaker all around the world.”
Dale G. Kreisher, Cultural Affairs Officer, Embassy of the United States of America said,
“Whether it’s talent or technology, intellectual property rights are critical to the sustainable
growth of the industry…. The revenue streams they help generate are the lifeblood of the
system that enables new movies to be made.”
In his masterclass, Carlos Saldanha, spoke about his early motivations as a filmmaker: “I think
life is about following your dreams. I always loved to draw. But I also loved technology. I wanted
to go to art school, but I was told art is not a job, it’s a hobby. I went to study computing. I
worked from 9am-9pm everyday including Saturday and Sunday during my Masters’ Degree.”
Saldanha illustrated the making of RIO from early development through to completion of
production with a fascinating visual look behind the scenes. His message to the emerging
filmmakers: “You’ve got to love what you do. Passion is everything.”
The pitching session titled “How to effectively pitch and sell your project to the people that
count”, moderated by Lucas Oliver-Frost (who worked with director Peter Chan on Comrades
and Perhaps Love, and director Stanley Tong on Jackie Chan: Supercop) involved Carlos
Saldanha, Kazuaki Kiriya (Casshern, Goemon and Last Knights starring Clive Owen and Morgan
Freeman), and Motoko Kimura, Producer (Watashi-no-atama-no-naka-no-keshigomu, L.DK.,
Regret, Girls Step, Pure Soul, Happy Retirement and Hotel Concierge). “Pitching is unfamiliar in
this industry. Now it is more necessary,” said Ms. Kimura. “When I listen to a pitch, I’m looking
for the essential idea and a great package around it.” The panelists agreed that “passion” for the
project was an essential element for any successful pitch. “When I pitch, no matter what my
recent success, I feel I am pitching a movie for the first time,” said Director Saldanha.
Director Kazuaki Kiriya took a Q&A session with the audience. When asked by one of the
participants if he could offer positive advice in an environment which seems increasing tough for
filmmakers, Kiriya said that the whole of Asia is opening up and increasingly acts a production
centre for films: “In the current digital age, there are no excuses ? if one has a unique personal
experience and motivation to tell a story, write a script, film it on a mobile phone ? start
somewhere and learn along the way.”
Following a round of intense judging, Itsumi Fukuda was awarded first place for Dos-Koi! ? the
story of an insecure American boy who finds a liking for sumo wrestling and with new friends
discovers strengths he never knew he had. Itsumi wins a trip to Los Angeles to participate in a
comprehensive five-day film immersion program that takes place in early November in the lead
up to the American Film Market (AFM).
In recognition of the depth of talent revealed during the competition, Mike Ellis, President and
Managing Director Asia Pacific, MPA, awarded a President’s Special Recognition Prize to Lily
Nogi, writer of Paraiso, the story of a clandestine Christian woman who sacrifices her life for
love in the time of anti-Christian edicts and national isolation policy in Japan. Lily will attend the
Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSAs) in Brisbane, Australia, to engage with some of the most
talented filmmakers from across the Asia Pacific.
*Carlos Saldanha / Itsumi Fukuda / Lily Nogi / Mike Ellis
REMORSELESS UPLOADER ON VIDEO HOSTING WEBSITE FC2 VIDEO FOUND GUILTY
- 10Sep 2015
Decision by Maebashi District Court Ota Branch
On September 1, 2015, a 36-year-old male dispatch worker from Ibo-gun Taishi-cho, Hyogo Prefecture was found guilty by the Maebashi District Court Ota Branch
of unlawfully uploading a large amount of illegal files of MPAA member companies' copyrighted movies to video hosting website FC2 Video, and sentenced to
18 months imprisonment with work, a 3 year suspended sentence and a fine of 500,000 yen.
The man had been using the name of “Kuroiwa Cinema Theater” and similar nicknames to set up new FC2 accounts and repeatedly uploaded large volumes
of illegal files to FC2 Video. JIMCA reported the incidence to the Gunma Prefectural Police Headquarters Cyber Crime Office and requested a crackdown.
As a result, the man was arrested on June 11 this year.
After the verdict was given, the presiding judge admonished the man with harsh words: “It is an illegal offence for the purpose to gain affiliate profit,
which not only disrespects the rights but also brings losses to the rights holder and that is a selfish and malicious act.”
The judge also said, “The intellectual property rights are of great importance, and such an offence would bring enormous losses to the copyright holders.”
Illegally uploading copyrighted works without rights holders’ permission is banned under Copyright Law. Not only is such an offence punishable as a criminal case but also may be subject to a claim of compensation for the losses from the movie companies.
Do not upload illegally!
*Maebashi District Court Ota Branch
Announcement of Personnel Change
- 18Aug 2015
Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association, Inc. announces personnel change of representative director decided as follows.
Details of the Change
| Name | New Position | Former Position |
|---|---|---|
| Michael C. Ellis | Representative Director | Director |
| Takashi Ajimura | Resigned | Representative Director |
The Date of Scheduled Personnel Change: September 30, 2015
Announcement of Personnel Change(PDF）
JIMCA LAUNCHES “STOP! ILLEGAL DOWNLOAD STRIKES BACK” AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AT COMIC MARKET 88!
- 17Aug 2015
Between August 14 (Fri) and 16 (Sun), 2015, Japan and International Motion Picture Association (JIMCA), with the support of the Association of Japanese Animation (AJA), launched an awareness campaign themed “STOP! Illegal Download” at a corporate booth of the Comic Market 88 held at Tokyo Big Sight.
Along with the exclusive original DVDs of “Tell me about it, Stoppy! -STOP! Illegal Download-” featuring Ms. Aki Toyosaki, which includes clear explanations on “Illegal Downloading” and other educational information, original shopping bags of the animated show “Rokka-no-Yusha (Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers)” and “STOP! Illegal Download” were distributed for free.
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Talk Show:Ms. Ai Kakuma from “Rokka-no-Yusha”
Talk Show:Q'ulle & Professor Ota
Mr. Yo Ota, Professor of Law School, the University of Tokyo and Partner Attorney of Nishimura Asahi Horitsu Jimusho (Nishimura & Asahi) participating in the Mini-Talk shows at the Comic Market 88 this time, said, “Having talk shows with Q'ulle at a place like Comic Market, I believe that many visitors who came to join us were able to gain more interest in copyright.”
The STOP! Illegal Strikes Back booth received 19,000 visitors, and the campaign concluded with tremendous success. To view the event details, please click here.
JIMCA LAUNCHING “STOP! ILLEGAL DOWNLOAD STRIKES BACK” AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AT COMIC MARKET 88!
- 14Aug 2015
Between August 14 (Fri) and 16 (Sun), 2015, Japan and International Motion Picture Association (JIMCA), with the support of the Association of Japanese Animation (AJA), will launch an awareness campaign themed “STOP! Illegal Download”at a corporate booth of the Comic Market 88 held at Tokyo Big Sight.
Comic Market exclusive original DVDs of “Tell me about it, Stoppy! −STOP! Illegal Download-”featuring Ms. Aki Toyosaki and original shopping bags of “Rokka-no-Yusha (Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers) & STOP! Illegal Download”will be distributed for free. Events such as “Rokka-no-Yusha True or False Quiz King Challenge”, “Photo Opportunities with Ms. Nekomu Otogi”, “Mini-Talk Shows with special guests, Q'ulle and Professor Ota”, and “Mini-Chat Shows featuring Ms. Ai Kakuma, the voice actress who plays 'Chamot' in Rokka-no-Yusha”, are also scheduled to be held.
Click here to view event details and schedule.
Please come and join us!
*Original shopping bags of “Rokka-no-Yusha (Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers) & STOP! Illegal Download”
JIMCA SUPPORTS COPYRIGHT DIFFUSION AND COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT ERADICATION ACTIVITIES RUN BY THE AGENCY FOR CULTURAL AFFAIRS
- 29Jul 2015
Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) co-produced special educational plastic folders, for distribution to children and students, with the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in support of their copyright diffusion and counterfeit product eradication activities.
Featuring character “Bunchan”from the Agency for Cultural Affairs' public relations web magazine “Bunkaru”, educational messages and clear explanations on guidelines for children and students when using the internet to access content were printed on the folders.
These educational folders were distributed to elementary and junior high school students at the “Let's Learn about Intellectual Property Everyone” program as part of the “Children's Kasumigaseki Field Trip Day”held on July 29 (Wed) and July 30 (Thu) by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The folders will also be also handed out at the Copyright Classes conducted by JIMCA for elementary students as well as other events by the Agency for Cultural Affairs related to copyright diffusion and counterfeit product eradication.
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*Educational plastic folder
REMORSELESS UPLOADER “KUROIWA CINEMA THEATER” ILLEGALLY UPLOADING TO VIDEO HOSTING WEBSITE FC2 VIDEO ARRESTED!
- 12Jun 2015
Operation by Gunma Prefectural Police Cyber Crime Office and Ota Police Station
On June 11, 2015, police officers from Gunma Prefectural Police Headquarters Cyber Crime Office and Ota Police Station conducted a search of a 36-year-old male dispatched worker's premises in Ibo-gun Taishi-cho, Hyogo Prefecture. They subsequently arrested the individual on suspicion of Copyright Act Violation for illegally uploading a large amount of files of MPAA member companies' copyrighted movies to video hosting website FC2 Video.
The man had been using the name of “Kuroiwa Cinema Theater” and similar nicknames to set up new FC2 accounts one after another. He had been repeatedly uploading large volumes of illegal files to FC2 Video, despite the fact that the illegal video files were taken down by JIMCA and the movie companies, and his accounts suspended by FC2, the operator of the website. The man was an extremely remorseless illegal uploader who had been carrying on his illegal acts, only uploading files by night to avoid being discovered. In addition to consulting with and requesting Gunma Prefectural Police Cyber Crime Office undertake a crackdown, JIMCA provided assistance in examining illegal files for the investigations.
Since Kuroiwa Cinema Theater included in his self introduction the following, “Once again, my account has been suspended. (bowing ☆) I will be acting more carefully. (bowing ☆)”, and always used symbols to signify the titles for the videos uploaded, and since the videos posted by Kuroiwa Cinema Theater were obviously illegal uploads, it is possible that the users who downloaded these videos and praised the uploads in the comment field may also face criminal liability.
In order to eliminate illegal uploading and downloading of movie files as well as to realize a free and wholesome internet environment, JIMCA will continue its endeavors.
*Gunma Prefectural Police
JIMCA SUBMITS WRITTEN OPINION IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC OPINION CALLING FOR “INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STRATEGIC PROGRAM 2015”
- 25May 2015
Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) submitted a Written Opinion, on May 20, 2015, in response to a call for public opinion made by Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters of Prime Minister's Cabinet.
To view the written proposal submitted to the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters of Prime Minister's Cabinet, please click here.(PDF FILE)
JIMCA PARTICIPATES IN “HYOGO PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTORS' JOINT PROJECT FOR PREVENTION MEASURES AGAINST CYBERSPACE CRIMINAL THREATS” PLENARY MEETING
- 15May 2015
On May 13, 2015, Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) attended the plenary meeting of Hyogo Prefectural Government and Private Sectors' Joint Project for Prevention Measures against Cyberspace Criminal Threats, in which the government and private sectors team up to tackle the issues occurring in cyberspace such as crimes using the internet.
Along with JIMCA, one of the constituent members, experts including the police, administrative agencies, college professors, and lawyers participated in this project. Stationed in the Cyber Crime Division of Hyogo Prefectural Police Headquarters, the secretariat was established to assess both the actual situations and the issues occurring in cyberspace and for government and the private sector to jointly introduce measures through education and public awareness.
Three subcommittees, Information Sharing Measures Subcommittee, Education and Public Awareness Measures Subcommittee, and Environmental Measures Subcommittee, are set up within the project. As one of the initiatives for Information Sharing Measure Subcommittee, where JIMCA serves as a private sector representative organizer, Mr. Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA, reported that JIMCA produced and provided special educational plastic folders with the theme of “The Internet Rules to Protect Everyone” for children as well as junior and senior high school students.
These educational folders were provided to Japanese nationwide prefectural police via the National Police Agency, and via the Cyber Crime Division of Hyogo Prefectural Police Headquarters, the folders will be distributed directly to children and students who attend the “The Cybercriminal Victimization Prevention Classes” conducted by the Cybercrime Prevention Center.
*HYOGO PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTORS' JOINT PROJECT FOR PREVENTION MEASURES AGAINST CYBERSPACE CRIMINAL THREATS
JIMCA SUBMITS WRITTEN OPINION IN TO PUBLIC OPINION CALLING FOR “Interpretative Guideline on Electronic Commerce and Information Property Trading”
- 29Apr 2015
Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association(JIMCA) submitted a written Opinion, on March 25, 2015 in response to a call for public opinion made by “Interpretative Guideline on Electronic Commerce and Information Property Trading”, Information Economy Division, Commence and Information Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
To view the written proposal submitted to Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Please clik here.(PDF FILE)
JAPAN'S CREATIVE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES WORLD IP DAY WITH SPECIAL SCREENING OF “BIRDMAN”
- 24Apr 2015
On April 24, 2015, Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA), with the support of the U.S. Embassy and Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) hosted a special screening of the feature film “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku to celebrate World IP Day. The film has received numerous accolades including an Academy Award for Best Picture.
Prior to the screening, Mr. Jason P. Hyland, Charge d'Affaires ad interim, said to an audience of Approximately 200, “World IP Day is a worthy day to applaud the endeavors and talent of the people contributing to the creative industries. Intellectual properties are created by a great number of people putting their hearts and souls into producing the work that enchants people. That is why, today, it is important to think that making a fraudulent use of someone's property is not a victimless crime. America and Japan where creative contents are produced unite their efforts, taking approaches to strengthening intellectual properties. Regardless of old or new titles, I have always loved Japanese movies, animated shows, and music. Besides, Godzilla is giving us a stern look from here. It is an honor for the U.S Embassy to be able to participate in such a program, allowing the artists around the world to receive reasonable rewards. Tonight, let's enjoy the amazing movie set in Broadway “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” together.”
*From left: Mr.Takashi Ajimura, Representative Director of JIMCA; Mr. Jason P. Hyland, Charge d'Affaires ad interim; Mr. Hideyuki Sato, Senior Sales Manager, Strategic Planning & Operation, Twentieth Century Fox Japan, Inc.
Mr. Hideyuki Sato, Senior Sales Manager, Strategic Planning & Operation, Twentieth Century Fox Japan, Inc. which provided the film for the event, said, “Movies include a shared desire from a great number of people taking part in production and distribution hoping that their movies would be enjoyed. If you see anyone who downloads illegally or buys pirated DVDs, please tell the person that's NO good.”, and introduced the highlights of the movie.
Mr. Yoichiro Hata, Executive Director/ Director General of RIAJ which provided support to the World IP Day special screening, said, “Not only is Music one of the important intellectual properties but it also plays a significant role in the movies. In order to successively develop with the movie industry, the music industry sympathizes with the theme “Get up, stand up. For music.” held up by the WIPO and will continue to pour efforts into protecting and promoting intellectual properties.”
*WORLD IP DAY 2015 Get up, Stand up. For Music.
World IP Day was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000, and this year will be the 15th anniversary. Following last year's focus on movies, this year, the creative community celebrates music, with the theme “Get up, stand up. For music.”
World IP Day has become an important opportunity to celebrate creativity and innovation and raise awareness about the need to value and robustly protect intellectual property. JIMCA will continue to celebrate this event and looks forward to holding special screening events in the future.
GUILTY VERDICT HANDED DOWN TO MAN ILLEGALLY CAMCORDING MOVIE
Decision by the Fukuoka Summary Court
- 29Mar 2015
A 47-year-old male office worker suspected of violating the Copyright Act and the Anti-Camcording Law was sentenced by the Fukuoka Summary Court to a fine on March 5, and a final guilty verdict was pronounced on March 24. The charges were filed by the Hakata Police Station, Fukuoka Prefecture to the Fukuoka District Public Prosecutors Office on February 9, 2015. (to view the incidence details, please click here)
The man was suspected of violating the Anti-Camcording Law and the Copyright Act, illegally camcording the big hit movie “LUCY” at a cinema in Fukuoka city in September 2014. The suspect admitted the charges. “LUCY” was globally distributed by Universal City Studios LLC., one of the member companies of the MPAA,
A campaign to attract audiences to movie theatres - “Let's Go to the Cinema!” Committee has been actively educating people about the Anti-Camcording Law (in force since August 30, 2007),. The wider film industry has been actively involved in initiatives to eradicate movie theft.
In addition to these activities, JIMCA has been taking various approaches to preventing camcording in cinemas.
These include taking responsibility for the Piracy Hotline of the Anti Illegal Activity Management Division of the Committee, and individually conducting Movie Camcording Prevention Seminars for cinema managers and staff members.
JIMCA SUPPORTS “CYBERCRIME PREVENTION CLASSES” RUN BY JAPANESE NATIONWIDE PREFECTURAL POLICE
- 27Mar 2015
In support of the “Cybercrime Prevention Classes” and related activities organized by the Japanese nationwide prefectural police, the Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) co-produced 100,000 pieces of special educational plastic folders, for distribution to children and students attending the program, with the Community Safety Bureau and the Cybercrime Division of the National Police Agency.
Along with messages educating students on the negative consequences if one knowingly downloads commercial movie and music files for the purpose of private use from an illegitimate source (i.e. Illegal Downloading), clear explanations about rules to be followed for children and students when using the internet were printed on the folders.
These educational plastic folders will be directly distributed to and utilized by the children and students who attend the “Cybercrime Prevention Classes” organized by each prefectural police and will contribute towards raising awareness of information security and respect for copyright.
*Educational plastic folder
MAN FROM ARITA-CITY, WAKAYAMA PREFECTURE ARRESTED FOR ILLEGALLY UPLOADING MOVIES
Operation by Wakayama Prefectural Police Headquarters Consumer and Environmental Protection Division, and Arita Police Station
- 23Feb 2015
On February 17, 2015, officers from the Consumer and Environmental Protection Division of Wakayama Prefectural Police Headquarters and Arita Police Station arrested a 65-year-old unemployed man suspected of Copyright Act Violation for illegally uploading files of MPAA member companies' copyrighted movies on the P2P file sharing platform “Share”.
The man's unlawful act was found by a cyber patrol of the Consumer and Environmental Protection Division of Wakayama Prefectural Police Headquarters; and JIMCA (Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association) assisted in the investigations by identifying pirated movie files. A search was conducted at the man's residence on the same day and equipment such as computers was seized from the scene. The man has admitted to his wrongdoing during the police investigation.
This arrest was made as part of the “Simultaneous Intensive Crackdown on Copyright Infringement Incidences via File Sharing Software” operation. For further details, please refer to the article below.
SIMULTANEOUS INTENSIVE CRACKDOWN ON ONLINE COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
- 23Feb 2015
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The Anti Counterfeiting Association (ACA) Association of Copyright for Computer Software (ACCS) Motion Picture Producer Association of Japan, Inc. (MPAJ) Japan Video Software Association (JVA) Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC) Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association(JIMCA) Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) BSA|The Software Alliance (BSA) |
According to information from the National Police Agency, 38 prefectural police nationwide in Japan conducted a simultaneous intensive crackdown on copyright infringement incidences of movies, music, animation, comics, games, and business software via file sharing software, etc. during the period of February 17th to 19th, 2015, and searched 133 premises. Up to the present time, 9:00 AM on February 20, 40 individuals have been arrested.
For summaries of cases related to the Anti Counterfeiting Assocation (ACA)'s member associations of the incidences uncovered, please refer to the respective association contacts or websites listed below.
The Japanese National Police Agency has executed a Simultaneous Intensive Crackdown on Copyright Infringement Using File Sharing Software, etc. since the year of 2009, and this operation was the fifth time.
In addition to this, all ACA affiliate associations have participated in the operation of sending out warning messages via emails implemented by the Consortium against Copyright Infringement via File-Sharing Software (CCIF), and have joined the action of requesting individual users who commit distribution of copyright infringement content using file sharing software networks to delete the files.
Along with the National Police Agency, ACA will continue to work closely in conjunction with all relevant ministries and agencies in the future to promote the movement of eradicating counterfeit products and protecting intellectual property.
【Reference 1】
■The Anti-Counterfeiting Association (ACA)
URL：http://www.aca.gr.jp/
【Reference 2】
■National Police Agency Public Relations' Press Release
Title: “The Simultaneous Crackdown on Copyright Infringement Incidences Using File Sharing Software, etc.”
URL：https://www.npa.go.jp/cyber/warning/h27/150220.pdf
■National Police Agency's Report “Conference Report of Comprehensive Security Measures 2007”
Title: “Issues and Measures regarding Copyright Infringement Using File Sharing Software such as Winny, etc.”
URL：http://www.npa.go.jp/cyber/csmeeting/h19/pdf/pdf19.pdf
■Consortium against Copyright Infringement via File-Sharing Software (CCIF)
URL：http://www.ccif-j.jp/
■For information on Individual Incidences:
・Association of Copyright for Computer Software (ACCS)
URL：http://www2.accsjp.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Oota / TEL: 03-5976-5175
・Japan Video Software Association (JVA)
URL：http://www.jva-net.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Takagi / TEL: 03-3542-4432
・Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC)
URL：http://www.jasrac.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Okamura / TEL: 03-3481-2164
・Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA)
URL：http://www.jimca.co.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Murakami / TEL: 03-3265-1401
・Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ)
URL：http://www.riaj.or.jp/
P.R. Contact Person: Yonai / TEL: 03-5575-1305
■For information regarding this news release:
・“The Simultaneous Crackdown”(The Anti Counterfeiting Association/ ACA Secretariat)
Japan Video Software Association (JVA)
P.R. Contact Persons: Takagi / TEL: 03-3542-4432
MAN FOUND GUILTY OF SELLING PIRATED DVDs TO OFFICE COLLEAGUES
Operation by Metropolitan Police Department
- 19Feb 2015
On January 13, 2015, Tokyo Summary Court sentenced a male office worker in his 50s to a fine of 200,000 JPY for the offence of violating the Copyright Act, and a guilty verdict became final on January 30.
The man sold pirated movie copies, illegally duplicated without the authorization of the rights' holders, to his colleagues at an office in Tokyo.
The Metropolitan Police Department conducted a search in July 2014 and seized computers and printers used for duplicating DVDs from his office, and approximately 6,000 pirated DVD-Rs from his residence.
Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) provided assistance in the investigation by identifying pirated copies of MPAA member companies' movie titles possessed and sold by the suspect.
Using his office computers to duplicate DVDs rented from rental shops and to manufacture pirated DVD-R copies, the man had been selling pirated DVD-Rs to his colleagues for a price of 200 yen per copy.
Even if it is done in a closed environment such as a company, producing or selling pirated DVDs brings significant losses to the creative community. These actions are in violation of the Copyright Act and often result in criminal punishments.
If you suspect any person or store of illegally selling pirated DVDs and/or Blu-ray discs as well as any pirated trading on the internet for movies, please kindly contact us via the Piracy Hotline as noted on this website, and provide us with further information.
CHARGES FILED TO THE FUKUOKA DISTRICT PUBLIC PROSECUTORS OFFICE AGAINST MAN SUSPECTED FOR ILLEGALLY CAMCORDING MOVIE
Operation by Hakata Police Station, Fukuoka Prefecture
- 9Feb 2015
On February 9, 2015, the Community Safety Investigation Division, Hakata Police Station, Fukuoka Prefecture filed charges against a 47-year-old male office worker on suspicion of Copyright Act Violation to the Fukuoka District Public Prosecutors Office.
The man was suspected of violating the Anti-Camcording Law and the Copyright Act, illegally camcording the big hit movie “LUCY” globally distributed by Universal City Studios LLC., one of the member companies of the MPAA, at a cinema in Fukuoka city in September 2014, and has admitted the charges.
Secretly using a video camera and a digital voice recorder, the man was illegally camcording the movie at a cinema in Fukuoka city, and the act was discovered by a cinema customer who then reported it to the cinema staff, which led to the activation of the case.
Not only did the man modify his pilot lights on both the top of the camera and the lens to be unseen, but also he possessed a video camera specially altered for illegal camcording with its stand able to be fixed to a drink holder on a cinema chair. After receiving a report from the cinema staff, officers from the Fukuoka Police Station rushed to the scene, brought the man to the police station, and conducted further investigations.
As the title was globally distributed by Universal City Studios LLC., Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) received a request from the Community Safety Investigation Division, Hakata Police Station and provided full support on the investigation, jointly examining evidence with TOHO-TOWA Company, Limited, distributor of Universal City Studios LLC.’s titles in Japan.
Regarding illegal camcording in cinemas, “Let's Go to the Cinema!” Committee has been widely making announcements about the Anti-Camcording Law, which came into force on August 30, 2007, and has been conducting Movie Theft Prevention Campaigns for the purpose of permeating the law. The entire film industry has been making best efforts on eradicating movie theft.
In addition to these activities, JIMCA has been diligently taking different approaches to preventing camcording in cinemas, including taking charge of the Piracy Hotline of Anti Illegal Activity Management Division of the Committee and individually conducting Movie Camcording Prevention Seminars for cinema managers as well as staff members.
Mr. Hiroyasu Matsuoka, President of TOHO-TOWA Company, Limited, said, “It was very unfortunate that one of our titles we distributed was recorded illegally. We appreciate all the people from Hakata Police Station, the cinema where “Lucy” was screened, JIMCA, and other concerned parties for their kind cooperation and all endeavors that they made from the start until filing charges against the offender. Along with continuously bringing great titles to our customers, we together with other concerned parties will keep pouring our efforts into eradicating illegal recording in cinemas in the future.”
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THE WINNER OF THE FIRST MPA/DHU FILM WORKSHOP HEADS TO HOLLYWOOD
- 14Jan 2015
Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association (JIMCA) invited Mr. Ryuhei Osako, a 27-year-old writer who received the Best Work Award for his work “Tokijiro” at the 1st MPA/DHU Film Workshop Synopsis Contest held in October 2013, co-hosted by the Digital Hollywood University (DHU), to a five-day comprehensive film business immersion program in Los Angeles.
The program was scheduled for 5 days alongside the American Film Market 2014 - the largest international film trade fair in North America held in November each year in Santa Monica, Los Angeles. Approximately 20 young filmmakers from around the world joined this year's program.
In addition to meeting some of the directors, producers, agents, and entertainment lawyers currently working in Hollywood, receiving wider knowledge regarding entertainment business, and getting special tips on “How to pitch a project Hollywood style”, participants experienced a fruitful five days in Los Angeles, including a studio tour to the headquarters of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.; participation in a screenwriters' and producers' union gathering; and a field trip to the American Film Market.
Mr. Osako said, “It was a valuable journey which made me realize that there are not only chances in Japan but also more opportunities worldwide. I would definitely like to make the best use of this experience for the future.”
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